European elections | The Guardianhttp://www.theguardian.com/politics/european-elections
Latest news and features from theguardian.com, the world's leading liberal voiceen-gbGuardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. 2015Sun, 02 Aug 2015 23:02:35 GMT2015-08-02T23:02:35Zen-gbGuardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. 2015The Guardianhttp://assets.guim.co.uk/images/guardian-logo-rss.c45beb1bafa34b347ac333af2e6fe23f.pnghttp://www.theguardian.com
Only a third of the EU is governed by the centre-lefthttp://www.theguardian.com/world/datablog/2015/jun/22/third-eu-governed-by-centre-left-data
<p>Based on political positioning defined by affiliation in the European parliament, the eight countries on centre-left comprise about 32.5% of the EU’s population</p><p>These are challenging times for Europe’s centre-left parties. </p><p>Since last year’s European parliament elections, where the centre-right European People’s party (EPP) emerged as the largest bloc, there have been <a href="http://www.electionguide.org/elections/past/">13 parliamentary and presidential elections in the EU</a>. Of these, the centre-left has won only one – in Sweden.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/datablog/2015/jun/22/third-eu-governed-by-centre-left-data">Continue reading...</a>European UnionEuropean electionsEuropeWorld newsPoliticsMon, 22 Jun 2015 15:03:15 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/world/datablog/2015/jun/22/third-eu-governed-by-centre-left-dataPhotograph: Soeren Bidstrup/AFP/Getty ImagesLars Løkke Rasmussen, leader of the centre-right Venstre party in Denmark, arrives at Queen Margrethe’s residence in Copenhagen after the general election last week.Photograph: Soeren Bidstrup/AFP/Getty ImagesLars Løkke Rasmussen, leader of the centre-right Venstre party in Denmark, arrives at Queen Margrethe’s residence in Copenhagen after the general election last week.Alberto Nardelli and George Arnett2015-06-22T15:03:15ZDefecting MEPs defy the logic of party lists | Lettershttp://www.theguardian.com/politics/2015/feb/09/defecting-meps-defy-logic-of-party-lists
<p>Given that members of the European parliament are elected by proportional representation on the basis of regional closed lists, how can it be that an MEP who changes party retains his or her seat? Amjad Bashir was elected as one of three successful Ukip candidates after the party gained 31.1% of the vote in Yorkshire and the Humber. Labour won two seats and the Conservatives one. But following the defection of Bashir to the Conservatives, they now have two members representing the constituency. Why hasn’t Bashir lost his seat to the fourth-named candidate on the Ukip list? Can anyone explain why the will of&nbsp;the voters, in a party list PR system, can be overridden by an elected representative switching parties?<br /><strong>Brian Ross-Meering</strong><br /><em>Newark, Nottinghamshire</em></p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2015/feb/09/defecting-meps-defy-logic-of-party-lists">Continue reading...</a>European electionsEuropean UnionProportional representationConservativesUK Independence party (Ukip)PoliticsMon, 09 Feb 2015 19:43:29 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/politics/2015/feb/09/defecting-meps-defy-logic-of-party-listsPhotograph: Gareth Fuller/PAAmjad Bashir MEP speaking on a Ukip platform, 2014: he has now defected to the Conservatives. Photograph: Gareth Fuller/PAPhotograph: Gareth Fuller/PAAmjad Bashir MEP speaking on a Ukip platform, 2014: he has now defected to the Conservatives. Photograph: Gareth Fuller/PAGuardian Staff2015-02-09T19:43:29ZThe Observer view on the Greek elections | Observer editorialhttp://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/jan/25/observer-view-on-greek-elections
The lesson of the Greek national polls is that austerity must end<p>There are limits to humiliation. Barring an extraordinary upset, Syriza, a radical leftwing party previously confined to the political margins, will win Sunday’s Greek general election. Last-minute opinion polls gave Syriza a lead of between 4% and 6% over the ruling New Democracy party of prime minister, Antonis Samaras. Its youthful leader, <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-30945247" title="">Alexis Tsipras,</a> may not win an outright majority. He may struggle to find coalition partners. But that will not diminish the significance of Syriza’s victory, nor lessen its potentially dramatic implications for Greece and all Europe.</p><p>Many explanations can be found for this political upheaval, but humiliation is a good place to start. Since the 2008 crisis, Greeks have been subjected to what many feel is a sustained, brutal and unnecessarily destructive attack on their basic living standards, way of life and national independence. If a country is invaded and occupied by hostile forces, it might expect to lose its freedom and its voice. But the subjugation of Greece, in the name of fiscal responsibility, debt reduction and structural reform, was undertaken by so-called friendly powers, principally, Germany, Europe’s paymaster, and the troika comprising the EU commission, European central bank and IMF. While dictating terms in the form of a €240bn bailout and a swingeing austerity programme, Greece’s new masters forgot that Athens, home of the polis, the original democratic city state of enfranchised citizens, had not lost its power of speech. It had not forfeited its right to resist. Modern Greece is a small country of 11 million people. It was never wealthy. But as its history shows, what Greece has, it holds, or will ever try to do so. Thus Sunday’s elections look set to produce an angry, nationwide outcry from freeborn citizens, saying: this is our country and we want it back. <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jan/21/-sp-greek-elections-five-years-like-patient-slowly-bleeding" title="">National humiliation must end</a>.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/jan/25/observer-view-on-greek-elections">Continue reading...</a>GreeceEuropeWorld newsEuropean electionsEuropean UnionPoliticsAusterityEconomicsUK newsSun, 25 Jan 2015 02:30:24 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2015/jan/25/observer-view-on-greek-electionsPhotograph: Giannis Papanikos/APAlexis Tsipras, head of Greece's Syriza opposition party, arrives for a pre-election campaign speech ahead of Sunday's vote. Photograph: Giannis Papanikos/APPhotograph: Giannis Papanikos/APAlexis Tsipras, head of Greece's Syriza opposition party, arrives for a pre-election campaign speech ahead of Sunday's vote. Photograph: Giannis Papanikos/APObserver editorial2015-01-25T02:30:24ZNigel Farage targets hedge funds as key to Ukip’s financial futurehttp://www.theguardian.com/politics/2015/jan/02/nigel-farage-ukip-target-hedge-fund-city-finances-report
Party’s drive to woo City investors, shown in leaked internal 2012 report, saw Ukip outspend Labour for first time last May<p>Nigel Farage, who has pledged to build a “people’s army” separate from vested interests, has identified hedge funds and their owners as crucial to Ukip’s financial future.</p><p>A leaked internal report shows the party’s leader argued that “the key to money for us will be the hedge fund industry” as he addressed Ukip’s executive committee in 2012.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2015/jan/02/nigel-farage-ukip-target-hedge-fund-city-finances-report">Continue reading...</a>UK Independence party (Ukip)PoliticsNigel FarageHedge fundsFinancial sectorBusinessConservativesSchrodersRich listsMichael HintzeEuropean electionsEuropean UnionLabourGeneral election 2015UK newsFri, 02 Jan 2015 00:04:09 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/politics/2015/jan/02/nigel-farage-ukip-target-hedge-fund-city-finances-reportPhotograph: Rex/REXUkip leader Nigel Farage told the party’s executive committee that hedge funds would be key to the party’s future. Photograph: RexPhotograph: Rex/REXUkip leader Nigel Farage told the party’s executive committee that hedge funds would be key to the party’s future. Photograph: RexRajeev Syal2015-01-02T00:04:09ZUkip outspent Labour and Lib Dems in European elections, new figures showhttp://www.theguardian.com/politics/2014/dec/17/ukip-outspent-labour-lib-dems-european-elections
Party spent £2.96m on campaign compared with £2.98m spent by Tories, £1m by Labour and £1.5m by Lib Dems<p>Ukip has outspent Labour for the first time in a national election, according to the Electoral Commission.</p><p>Nigel Farage’s party spent &pound;2.96m at this year’s European election, and now sends 24 representatives to Brussels as the biggest British party in Europe.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2014/dec/17/ukip-outspent-labour-lib-dems-european-elections">Continue reading...</a>UK Independence party (Ukip)PoliticsParty fundingLabourLiberal DemocratsUK newsConservativesEuropean electionsEuropean UnionWed, 17 Dec 2014 15:26:32 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/politics/2014/dec/17/ukip-outspent-labour-lib-dems-european-electionsPhotograph: Ben Stansall/AFP/Getty ImagesNigel Farage poses for photographs before voting in the local and European elections in May. Photograph: Ben Stansall/AFP/Getty ImagesPhotograph: Ben Stansall/AFP/Getty ImagesNigel Farage poses for photographs before voting in the local and European elections in May. Photograph: Ben Stansall/AFP/Getty ImagesRajeev Syal2014-12-17T15:26:32ZImmigration, insecurity and hysteria: Ukip’s trusty formula in Rochesterhttp://www.theguardian.com/politics/2014/nov/19/immigration-insecurity-hysteria-ukips-trusty-formula-rochester
Germany and Britain both have new parties that rose from nowhere on fears of immigration. But the similarities end there<p><em>Nina Plonka is a German journalist with Stern magazine in Hamburg who is currently working for the Guardian in London as part of a fellowship programme. She travelled to Rochester to try to make sense of a byelection campaign that reaches its climax on Thursday, and discovered a level of hysteria around migration far beyond anything she is used to at home.</em></p><p>“Public warning” reads the sign in the window of a 1940s vintage tearoom on Rochester High Street. The cafe has not yet opened but the tables are set with old-fashioned tea services and cakes. The sign illustrates the different shapes of German and British warplanes, so they know when to hide.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2014/nov/19/immigration-insecurity-hysteria-ukips-trusty-formula-rochester">Continue reading...</a>UK Independence party (Ukip)ByelectionsLocal politicsGermanyUK newsPoliticsEuropeWorld newsEuropean UnionAngela MerkelImmigration and asylumConservativesDavid CameronEuropean electionsWed, 19 Nov 2014 06:00:13 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/politics/2014/nov/19/immigration-insecurity-hysteria-ukips-trusty-formula-rochesterPhotograph: Ben Stansall/AFP/GettyGraham Harper and his dog canvass for Ukip. An American living locally says Ukip has changed the atmosphere in Rochester.Photograph: Ben Stansall/AFP/GettyGraham Harper and his dog canvass for Ukip. An American living locally says Ukip has changed the atmosphere in Rochester.Photograph: Paul Hackett/ReutersUkip supporters canvassing for votes in Rochester. One supporter likened EU legislation to Hitler's attempt to invade Britain. Photograph: Paul Hackett/ReutersPhotograph: Paul Hackett/ReutersUkip supporters canvassing for votes in Rochester. One supporter likened EU legislation to Hitler's attempt to invade Britain. Photograph: Paul Hackett/ReutersNina Plonka2014-11-19T06:00:13ZUkip does deal with far-right, racist Holocaust-denier to save EU fundinghttp://www.theguardian.com/politics/2014/oct/20/ukip-does-deal-with-far-right-to-save-european-grouping
The agreement with the Polish Congress of the New Right will save Nigel Farage’s European parliament grouping<p>Ukip has struck a deal with a Polish MEP whose far-right party leader casually uses racial slurs and questions the Holocaust following fears that its grouping in Europe would lose millions of pounds in taxpayers’ funds.</p><p>Nigel Farage’s Europe of Freedom and Direct Democracy group recruited an MEP from the Congress of the New Right with the blessing of its controversial leader <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Janusz_Korwin-Mikke" title="">Janusz Korwin-Mikke</a>, according to reports from Poland. The Polish MEP <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Iwaszkiewicz" title="">Robert Iwaszkiewicz</a> is to join the EFDD’s ranks as an individual, which will restore the group, a Ukip spokesman said.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2014/oct/20/ukip-does-deal-with-far-right-to-save-european-grouping">Continue reading...</a>Nigel FarageUK Independence party (Ukip)PoliticsEuropean electionsEuropean UnionPolandEuropeWorld newsMinimum wageUK newsSocietyMarine Le PenFranceMon, 20 Oct 2014 18:18:42 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/politics/2014/oct/20/ukip-does-deal-with-far-right-to-save-european-groupingPhotograph: Carl Court/Getty ImagesNigel Farage, pictured here in Rochester, may have saved his Europe of Freedom and Direct Democracy group, but will have questions to answer on the alliance with far-right leader Janusz Korwin-Mikke. Photograph: Carl Court/Getty ImagesPhotograph: Carl Court/Getty ImagesNigel Farage, pictured here in Rochester, may have saved his Europe of Freedom and Direct Democracy group, but will have questions to answer on the alliance with far-right leader Janusz Korwin-Mikke. Photograph: Carl Court/Getty ImagesRajeev Syal2014-10-20T18:18:42ZGeneral election 2015: why a multi-party coalition is a possibility | Peter Kellnerhttp://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/sep/29/2015-general-election-multi-party-coalition-ukip-snp
If Ukip and the SNP upset the electoral apple cart, then simple arithmetic shows we could be left with a messy coalition-forming scenario<br /><p>For a moment, forget the <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/society/2006/mar/29/localgovernment.britishidentityandsociety">English question</a>. Even if it were answered tomorrow to everyone’s satisfaction, governing Britain could soon become a whole lot harder.</p><p>In recent months it has looked unlikely that either Labour or the Conservatives would win an overall majority in next year’s general election. There is now a chance that neither will have a secure majority, even in coalition with the Liberal Democrats.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/sep/29/2015-general-election-multi-party-coalition-ukip-snp">Continue reading...</a>General election 2015PoliticsUK Independence party (Ukip)Scottish National party (SNP)European electionsConservativesLabourFirst past the postUK newsLiberal DemocratsGreen partyMon, 29 Sep 2014 11:49:08 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/sep/29/2015-general-election-multi-party-coalition-ukip-snpIllustration: Peter KellnerIllustration: Peter KellnerPhotograph: Pa/PAThe House of Commons. ‘Those days of decisive, first-past-the-post election outcomes might be over, at least for the time being.’ Photograph: PAPhotograph: Pa/PAThe House of Commons. ‘Those days of decisive, first-past-the-post election outcomes might be over, at least for the time being.’ Photograph: PAPeter Kellner for YouGov, part of the Guardian Comment Network2014-09-29T11:49:08ZHow Ukip’s support has been evolving after the European elections | Matthew Goodwin and Caitlin Milazzohttp://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/sep/11/ukip-european-elections-british-election-study
The British Election Study has revealed that although Ukip’s appeal is widening, it still has to convert this into votes in 2015<p>Later this month, Ukip will descend on the northern Labour-held town of Doncaster to hold its annual conference. The party has good cause to celebrate. Since its last conference in 2013, at which Nigel Farage was <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/politics/video/2013/sep/20/godfrey-bloom-hits-michael-crick-video" title="">overshadowed by Godfrey Bloom</a>, Ukip has made a serious advance in British politics. The party <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2014/may/26/ukip-european-elections-political-earthquake" title="">won the European parliament elections</a>, has since revamped its front team and now, after the <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2014/aug/28/douglas-carswell-ukip-defects-tory-mp-byelection" title="">defection of Douglas Carswell</a> in Clacton, looks set to win its first seat in parliament. But how has support for Ukip been evolving during all this?</p><p>To answer this question we can draw on the prestigious <a href="http://www.britishelectionstudy.com/" title="">British Election Study</a>, which has just released the results of its latest survey, undertaken after the European elections. This means we can compare the findings to surveys earlier in the year to explore how support for Ukip has changed, if at all. There are three important messages.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/sep/11/ukip-european-elections-british-election-study">Continue reading...</a>UK Independence party (Ukip)PoliticsUK newsNigel FarageEuropean electionsEuropean UnionGeneral election 2015Thu, 11 Sep 2014 08:00:56 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/sep/11/ukip-european-elections-british-election-studyPhotograph: Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images‘There is a slight decline in the percentage of Ukip voters who plan to stay loyal at the 2015 election; this is down five points to 52%.’ Photograph: Peter Macdiarmid/Getty ImagesPhotograph: Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images‘There is a slight decline in the percentage of Ukip voters who plan to stay loyal at the 2015 election; this is down five points to 52%.’ Photograph: Peter Macdiarmid/Getty ImagesMatthew Goodwin and Caitlin Milazzo2014-09-11T08:00:56ZTeacher banned for life appointed to replace Nick Griffin as BNP leaderhttp://www.theguardian.com/politics/2014/jul/21/banned-teacher-adam-walker-british-national-party-leader-nick-griffin-vote-collapses
Former teacher Adam Walker takes over after party's vote collapses and Griffin loses only seat in European parliament<p>Nick Griffin has been replaced as leader of the British National party, the far-right group has announced.</p><p>The BNP's website said Adam Walker, a former teacher who this year was struck off the teaching register for life, had been appointed acting chairman after Griffin &quot;stepped aside&quot;, two months after he lost the party's only seat at the European parliament in a disastrous set of election&nbsp;results.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2014/jul/21/banned-teacher-adam-walker-british-national-party-leader-nick-griffin-vote-collapses">Continue reading...</a>BNPPoliticsNick GriffinThe far rightWorld newsEuropeEuropean electionsMon, 21 Jul 2014 21:01:24 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/politics/2014/jul/21/banned-teacher-adam-walker-british-national-party-leader-nick-griffin-vote-collapsesAnita Maric/News TeamAdam Walker, left, who received a suspended jail sentence and a life ban from teaching, with former BNP leader Nick Griffin. Photograph: Anita Maric/News TeamAnita Maric/News TeamAdam Walker, left, who received a suspended jail sentence and a life ban from teaching, with former BNP leader Nick Griffin. Photograph: Anita Maric/News TeamHannah Godfrey and agencies2014-07-21T21:01:24ZUkip support plummets to push Tories back into the leadhttp://www.theguardian.com/politics/2014/jul/14/ukip-guardian-icm-poll-tories-labour-nigel-farage
Poll shows Tories picking up majority of deserters as Farage's party drops back into single figures, with Labour on 33%<p>Ukip support has plunged back from its high point of the European elections, giving a boost to all the established Westminster parties and pushing the Tories into the lead, according to a new Guardian/ICM poll.</p><p>Nigel Farage's party drops back into single figures to stand on 9%, down seven points from last month's score of 16%. The Tories pick up the lion's share of these deserters, gaining three points to climb to 34%, enough to put them a single point ahead of Labour, even though the opposition also edges up one to 33%.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2014/jul/14/ukip-guardian-icm-poll-tories-labour-nigel-farage">Continue reading...</a>UK Independence party (Ukip)ConservativesLiberal DemocratsPoliticsLabourUK newsNigel FarageDavid CameronGeneral election 2015European electionsMon, 14 Jul 2014 17:28:20 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/politics/2014/jul/14/ukip-guardian-icm-poll-tories-labour-nigel-farageGareth Fuller/PAUkip are down seven points from last month’s score of 16%. Photograph: Gareth Fuller/PAGareth Fuller/PAUkip are down seven points from last month’s score of 16%. Photograph: Gareth Fuller/PATom Clark2014-07-14T17:28:20ZWatchdog tells of chaotic Tower Hamlets poll counthttp://www.theguardian.com/politics/2014/jul/01/tower-hamlets-election-poll-count-poorly-resourced
Electoral Commission finds Tower Hamlets count of mayoral, local and European elections in May was poorly resourced<p>An east London borough's election count that took more than five days to complete and is at the centre of a high court challenge has been criticised by a watchdog which has ordered that all election officials and agents only speak English in future to prevent suspicion of wrongdoing.</p><p>An Electoral Commission report found that Tower Hamlets' count of mayoral, local and European elections in May was inadequately resourced and poorly organised as the incumbent independent mayor, Lutfur Rahman, successfully fought off a challenge by Labour.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2014/jul/01/tower-hamlets-election-poll-count-poorly-resourced">Continue reading...</a>European electionsEuropean UnionPoliticsLocal governmentUK newsSocietyLondonMon, 30 Jun 2014 23:01:00 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/politics/2014/jul/01/tower-hamlets-election-poll-count-poorly-resourcedPeter Marshall/Demotix/CorbisSupporters of Lutfur Rahman gathered outside the count venue in their hundreds, while inside there was little order among counters, agents and observers. Photograph: Peter Marshall/Demotix/CorbisPeter Marshall/Demotix/CorbisSupporters of Lutfur Rahman gathered outside the count venue in their hundreds, while inside there was little order among counters, agents and observers. Photograph: Peter Marshall/Demotix/CorbisRajeev Syal2014-06-30T23:01:00ZCameron's attempt to block Juncker was 'cack-handed', says Ed Ballshttp://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jun/29/cameron-attempt-block-juncker-european-commission-cackhanded-balls
Shadow chancellor calls efforts to stop Juncker's appointment as European commission president a 'catastrophe for Britain'<p>David Cameron's efforts to stop the appointment of Jean-Claude Juncker as president of the European commission were a &quot;cack-handed&quot; attempt at blackmail and a catastrophe for the national interest, Ed Balls, the shadow chancellor, has said.</p><p>Balls said on Sunday he was &quot;really worried&quot; about <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jun/27/jean-claude-juncker-bad-day-for-europe" title="">Britain heading for the exit after the prime minister failed to stop Juncker getting the top job</a>, having argued the former Luxembourg leader is too much of a federalist and not sufficiently in favour of reform.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jun/29/cameron-attempt-block-juncker-european-commission-cackhanded-balls">Continue reading...</a>Jean-Claude JunckerEuropean commissionDavid CameronEd BallsEuropean UnionWilliam HagueJeremy HuntPoliticsWorld newsUK newsAndrew MarrMediaGrant ShappsEuropeEuropean electionsSun, 29 Jun 2014 12:49:38 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jun/29/cameron-attempt-block-juncker-european-commission-cackhanded-ballsXinhua/Landov/Barcroft MediaJean-Claude Juncker, who was nominated by EU leaders as the next European commission president on Friday. Photograph: Xinhua/Landov/Barcroft MediaXinhua/Landov/Barcroft MediaJean-Claude Juncker, who was nominated by EU leaders as the next European commission president on Friday. Photograph: Xinhua/Landov/Barcroft MediaRowena Mason, political correspondent2014-06-29T12:49:38ZEurope is shrinking and Juncker is a symbol of its quiet-life parochialism | Michael Whitehttp://www.theguardian.com/world/blog/2014/jun/23/europe-shrinking-juncker-symbol-parochialism-eu-european-commission
In Ypres most of the 28 EU leaders will unenthusiastically go along with Juncker, but he is a miscalculation for Europe<p>I am not a fan of David Cameron's European policy. If the EU question derails his premiership, as it did those of John Major, Margaret Thatcher and – along with the once mighty miners – Ted Heath, it will serve him right. Instead of confronting and facing down his unappeasable Eurosceptic ultras, he has pandered to them. Indeed he fatally did so with a silly promise that helped him win the Tory leadership in 2005.</p><p></p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/blog/2014/jun/23/europe-shrinking-juncker-symbol-parochialism-eu-european-commission">Continue reading...</a>Jean-Claude JunckerEuropean commissionEuropean UnionEuropean electionsEuropePoliticsWorld newsMon, 23 Jun 2014 10:14:21 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/world/blog/2014/jun/23/europe-shrinking-juncker-symbol-parochialism-eu-european-commissionFrancois Lenoir/Reuters'Jean-Claude Juncker symbolises everything that is backward-looking and out-of-date.' Photograph: Francois Lenoir/ReutersFrancois Lenoir/Reuters'Jean-Claude Juncker symbolises everything that is backward-looking and out-of-date.' Photograph: Francois Lenoir/ReutersMichael White2014-06-23T10:14:21ZPoliticians may slug it out, but their distance from the electorate is widening | Suzanne Moorehttp://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/jun/18/politicians-slug-distance-gene-pool-labour
We need a bigger gene pool of real people in politics, with local knowledge, openness, and good communication<p>The endless procession of slugs across my garden sets me wondering how they reproduce so plentifully. I remember as a child wanting to know how they did &quot;it&quot;. So I found out. Slugs are hermaphrodites who encircle each other, exchange sperm through their protruded genitalia and then lay eggs. Often during this ritual one slug's corkscrew-like penis gets entangled so the other one has to chew it off. This is called apophallation. You're welcome.</p><p>This process comes to mind when I hear about the way the political class continues to reproduce itself. This class is having problems. For years there have been discussions about the &quot;professionalising&quot; of politics, the distance between this class and the electorate, the challenge to find candidates who resemble &quot;ordinary people&quot; or at least talk like them.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/jun/18/politicians-slug-distance-gene-pool-labour">Continue reading...</a>PoliticsUK newsEuropean electionsEuropean UnionLabourConservativesUK Independence party (Ukip)Wed, 18 Jun 2014 19:00:00 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/jun/18/politicians-slug-distance-gene-pool-labourPRPMQs makes the idea of slugs chewing off each others’ genitalia seem civilised.PRPMQs makes the idea of slugs chewing off each others’ genitalia seem civilised.Suzanne Moore2014-06-18T19:00:00ZPopularity of Miliband and Clegg falls to lowest levels recorded by ICM pollhttp://www.theguardian.com/politics/2014/jun/17/ed-miliband-nick-clegg-fall-lowest-popularity-guardian-icm
Labour leader's satisfaction rating slips from -25 to -39 and deputy prime minister's falls 16 points to -37 from May to June<p>Ed Miliband and Nick Clegg both suffered a sharp drop in their personal popularity between May and June, falling to their lowest figures ever recorded in a Guardian-ICM poll. David Cameron also took a hit but his score looks like a victory by comparison.</p><p>In figures that will concern the Labour leader's team, Miliband's net satisfaction rating slipped from -25 to -39; the figure is the difference between the 22% who said he was doing a good job and the 61% who said the opposite. The drop from May's rating is thought to be largely due to previous don't knows firming up with a negative opinion of his performance.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2014/jun/17/ed-miliband-nick-clegg-fall-lowest-popularity-guardian-icm">Continue reading...</a>PoliticsEd MilibandNick CleggLabourLiberal DemocratsUK Independence party (Ukip)Nigel FarageEuropean electionsConservativesUK newsTue, 17 Jun 2014 13:44:57 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/politics/2014/jun/17/ed-miliband-nick-clegg-fall-lowest-popularity-guardian-icmTim Goode/PALabour party leader Ed Miliband whose popularity has fallen to -39. Photograph: Tim Goode/PATim Goode/PALabour party leader Ed Miliband whose popularity has fallen to -39. Photograph: Tim Goode/PAPatrick Wintour2014-06-17T13:44:57ZDavid Cameron steps up campaign to block Juncker appointmenthttp://www.theguardian.com/politics/2014/jun/09/labour-tories-lib-dems-block-juncker
With three main UK parties now opposing the candidacy, Cameron holds talks with Angela Merkel in Sweden<p>David Cameron has intensified his campaign to block Jean-Claude Juncker from becoming the next president of the European commission, with No 10 warning like-minded EU leaders his appointment would amount to a &quot;stitch-up&quot;.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2014/jun/09/labour-tories-lib-dems-block-juncker">Continue reading...</a>David CameronEuropean commissionEuropean UnionEuropeEuropean electionsLabourConservativesLiberal DemocratsPoliticsWorld newsMon, 09 Jun 2014 21:00:00 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/politics/2014/jun/09/labour-tories-lib-dems-block-junckerAnders Wiklund/EPAFrom left: David Cameron, Angela Merkel and the Swedish and Dutch prime ministers, Fredrik Reinfeldt and Mark Rutte, take a boat trip in Harpsund, Sweden, where they met for talks on Monday. Photograph: Anders Wiklund/EPANicholas Watt in Harpsund2014-06-09T21:00:00ZLabour opposes Jean-Claude Juncker as next European commission presidenthttp://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jun/09/labour-opposes-jean-claude-juncker-european-commission-president
After Tory pressure to clarify stance, party says its MEPs will try to block appointment as he would 'make reform of EU harder'<p>Britain's main political parties have joined forces to oppose Jean-Claude Juncker as the next president of the European commission. Labour announced on Monday that its MEPs would vote against the former prime minister of Luxembourg.</p><p>After intense Tory pressure on Labour to clarify its position, the party said on Monday that its MEPs would seek to block the veteran EU fixer on the grounds that he would make reform more difficult.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jun/09/labour-opposes-jean-claude-juncker-european-commission-president">Continue reading...</a>European commissionEuropean UnionEuropeWorld newsEuropean electionsPoliticsLabourConservativesDavid CameronJean-Claude JunckerMon, 09 Jun 2014 15:19:00 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jun/09/labour-opposes-jean-claude-juncker-european-commission-presidentFrancois Lenoir/ReutersLabour has sided with the Tories and Lib Dems in opposing the candidacy of Luxembourg's ex-PM Jean-Claude Juncker for the European commission presidency. Photograph: Francois Lenoir/ReutersFrancois Lenoir/ReutersLabour has sided with the Tories and Lib Dems in opposing the candidacy of Luxembourg's ex-PM Jean-Claude Juncker for the European commission presidency. Photograph: Francois Lenoir/ReutersNicholas Watt in Stockholm and Sean Farrell2014-06-09T15:19:00ZJuncker is the democratic choice to head the EU commission | @guardianlettershttp://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jun/06/eu-democratic-choice-eu-commission
<p>When proposing a candidate for the EU commission president, the Lisbon treaty instructs the European council to &quot;take into account the elections to the European parliament&quot; and states that the commission president &quot;shall be elected by the European parliament&quot; (<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/may/27/david-cameron-jean-claude-juncker-eu-top-job" title="">Report</a>, 28 May). When the EU governments added these words to the treaty, it was widely seen as a significant break from the past, as from now on the choice of the most powerful executive office in the EU would be done in a more open and democratic way. We find it disingenuous to claim, as some heads of government have done, that these treaty changes have no meaning. They believe that as heads of states and governments they have the right to choose the president of the commission and the European parliament should ratify. In this interpretation, the parliament can veto, but not take initiatives.</p><p>The alternative view, taken by the main political parties before the European elections, claims that the council must take into account the outcome of the elections. European citizens, therefore, have a word to say about who leads the European commission, which alone makes proposals for European laws. The first approach has contributed to the perception that distant &quot;Brussels&quot; takes decisions over which citizens have no control. The second approach aims to return sovereignty to the citizens of Europe. It seeks to balance the excessive power of the council by the democratically elected European parliament.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jun/06/eu-democratic-choice-eu-commission">Continue reading...</a>European commissionEuropean UnionEuropeEuropean electionsPoliticsFri, 06 Jun 2014 14:51:47 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jun/06/eu-democratic-choice-eu-commissionPool/Getty ImagesJean-Claude Juncker with Angela Merkel, the German Chancellor. who is pushing his candidacy to become EU commission president. Photograph: Pool/Getty ImagesPool/Getty ImagesJean-Claude Juncker with Angela Merkel, the German Chancellor. who is pushing his candidacy to become EU commission president. Photograph: Pool/Getty ImagesGuardian Staff2014-06-06T14:51:47ZDo you still vote Lib Dem? And if so, why?http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2014/jun/06/do-you-still-vote-lib-dem-and-if-so-why
<p>Are you still a Liberal Democrat voter? Perhaps you, <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2010/apr/30/the-liberal-moment-has-come">like the Guardian</a>, backed them in 2010, but are reconsidering your position. Share your views in our open thread</p><p>Following a poor showing in the <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2014/may/26/lib-dems-european-elections-votes-nick-clegg">recent local and European elections</a>, the Liberal Democrats have fallen to an embarrassing sixth place in the Newark byelection. Their candidate David Watts <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2014/jun/06/newark-byelection-result-conservatives-win-comfortably-with-ukip-second-and-labour-third">won a mere 2.59% of the vote</a>, falling behind the Greens and a local campaigner, and coming in only one place ahead of Nick The Flying Brick of the Monster Raving Loony Party.<br /></p><p><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2013/dec/31/nick-clegg-richard-reeves-cleggmania-election-2015">Cleggmania</a> seems a long time ago. With less than a year to go until the general election, the party is in danger of losing many of its 57 parliamentary seats in 2015. The Liberal Democrats have arguably suffered by being the minor party in a coalition government, helping to pass legislation unpopular with its grassroots, many of whom voted for the party to keep out the party the Lib Dems ended up governing alongside. Nick Clegg's credibility was badly damaged by his u-turn <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2012/sep/19/nick-clegg-apologies-tuition-fees-pledge">on student tuition fees</a>. Others, however, are <a href="http://i1.wp.com/www.markpack.org.uk/files/2014/05/LibDem_achievmentsA3_2014_1200px-v5.jpg">proud of the party's achievements while in power</a>.</p> <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2014/jun/06/do-you-still-vote-lib-dem-and-if-so-why">Continue reading...</a>Liberal DemocratsPoliticsUK newsEuropean electionsUK Independence party (Ukip)Nick CleggGeneral election 2015ByelectionsLocal electionsFri, 06 Jun 2014 11:07:55 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/politics/2014/jun/06/do-you-still-vote-lib-dem-and-if-so-whyPhotograph: Jeff J Mitchell/Getty ImagesThe Liberal Democrats: still got your vote? Photograph: Jeff J Mitchell/Getty ImagesPhotograph: Jeff J Mitchell/Getty ImagesThe Liberal Democrats: still got your vote? Photograph: Jeff J Mitchell/Getty ImagesJames Walsh and Guardian readers2014-06-06T11:07:55Z